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Florida attracted 97.3 million visitors in 2014, an increase of 3.9% over the previous year, as the state recorded its fourth consecutive year of record growth.
The UK was the third largest international source market, contributing 1.6 million arrivals out of a total of 11.5 million overseas visitors – up 2.6%
Canada contributed 3.8 million arrivals, according to tourism marketing body Visit Florida.
Chairman Andrew Hertz said: “In 2014, a record 97.3 million tourists visited the state of Florida, an increase of 3.6 million people.
“That means there were nearly 4% more visitor’s spending money in Florida last year.
“Anyone would be happy to see their business grow by 4% year-over-year. But it is absolutely amazing when an entire industry keeps beating record numbers, while adding jobs and supporting the rest of the state’s economy.”
Florida’s average occupancy rate last year was 69.7%, up by 4.4% over 2013.
The average daily room rate rose 5.7% and the number of rooms sold grew by 5.3% compared to 2013.
“The Florida tourism industry has grown from 82.3 million visitors in 2010 to 97.3 million in 2014,” said Visit Florida president and chief executive Will Seccombe.
“With all indicators up – taxable sales, ADR, occupancy and rooms sold – the industry is firing on all cylinders.”